I didn’t have a hard time compiling this list at all this year. In alpha order because that’s how I sort my music. Bonus: listen to my Spotify Playlist of the highlights from each album. (I actually arranged the order of that one for optimal listening pleasure.)

Cults - self titled
Just a fun album. Also one of my fave live performances of the year at Lolla.
Highlights: “Go Outside”, “Bad Things”

The Decemberists - The King is Dead
This one came out early but it haunted me all year and there was never a doubt this would be on my list.
Highlights: “This Is Why We Fight”, “Rise To Me”

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You
On their sophomore effort, DIOYY keeps the playful and dancy in the mix, but adds a dimension that reminds me of early Radiohead,
Highlights: “Pull Out My Insides”, “Wrong Time Wrong Planet”

Eisley - The Valley
The DuPree girls have never been more emotional and that made for great songs.
Highlights: “Smarter”, “I Wish”

Diego Garcia - Laura
My soundtrack to Spain. Diego really explored his Latin roots.
Highlights: “You Were Never There”,”Under This Spell”

Mates of State - Mountaintops
I can always count on Mates of State to put me in a better mood. Even their slower tempo songs are good!
Highlights: “Maracas”, “Desire”

My Morning Jacket - Circuital
MMJ keeps finding ways to amaze me.
Highlights: “Wonderful (The Way I Feel)”, “Slow Slow Tune”

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong
Shoegaze-y goodness. (Also, check our their debut if you haven’t already, I love that one too.)
Highlights: “Belong”, “Heart in Your Heartbreak”

Phantogram - Nightlife EP
This EP has been in constant rotation since it came out.
Highlights: “Don’t Move”, “Make a Fist”

The Rapture - In The Grace of Your Love
Hands down my favorite dancy pants album of the year.
Highlights: “In The Grace of Your Love”, “How Deep Is Your Love?”

Patrick Stump - Soul Punk and Truant Wave EP
I really love that Patrick Stump went this way on his solo material. It’s totally a pop album made by someone who is a “Soul Punk”. His love of both soul and punk comes through into something altogether different. I’m also amazed that he played every instrument on this album. Dude has got it going on….
Highlights: “Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia)”, “Run Dry (X Heart X Fingers)”,”Coast (It’s Gonna Get Better)”

Single of the Year:
Mayer Hawthorne - The Walk
I really loved this single but still warming up to the album.

I had a really amazing day at Lolla. I already posted about Fitz and the Tantrums and My Morning Jacket will get their own post too, but had to jot some down thoughts about the other two great sets I saw today.

First up was Phantogram. They were early (1pm) and I didn’t really think I was gonna make it before they started, but sometimes things just all fall into place. I was pretty surprised at the large crowd at the stage (especially so early) and at first I thought the crowd was just full of casual observers, but that was not the case. I didn’t even attempt to keep a set list because it started to rain pretty hard during their set so obvs, no electronic devices were coming out. Sarah was mesmerizing to watch - she’s your classic alterna girl with the hip bob, great makeup and clad in black from head to toe. The girl has some skills on the moog too. The band played the majority of their debut album - “When I’m Small”, “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “All Died Up” especially stood out for me. They also played some new songs from their forthcoming EP, which I can’t wait to hear.

And then there was Mayer Hawthorne. I love his record - his white boy soul just speaks to me. He and his band The County really put on a good show. His keyboard player was on fire, he was a lot of fun to watch. Some set highlights - the set opening “Maybe So, Maybe No”, “Green Eyed Love”, “I Wish It Would Rain” (where we did audience participation and put our hands up and then made like raindrops…..so fun), and “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out”. Oh and I can’t forget, they covered Hall and Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.” Mayer was super talkative from start to finish, giving cute intros, making us dance and just generally having a good time. And they played a couple of new songs that I can’t wait to hear when the EP comes out.

There were a couple of bands I wanted to see that I missed because I just wasn’t really feeling it, so I bailed for a couple of hours and came back to see My Morning Jacket….(to be continued….)